I would think as followers of Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon that they possibly have as much right to it as you do.
Besides, they are following Mormonism the way it was taught by Brigham Young and Joseph Smith, and maintain that it was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who corrupted the “true” religion.
Which has more authority to claim themselves Mormon....LOL
Hey, when you’re Mormon, you can always takes your wives and many kids to the star Kolob for an intergalactic vacation, and meet other gods and spirit children yet to be born.
It has nothing to do with "rights". The fact is, "Mormon" means something. When someone uses the term "Mormon", it is well understood what it means. To use that well-known meaning in relation to people who are not "Mormon" is misleading.
I can understand the unintentional mistake that some make, of thinking that modern-day polygamists are somehow related to the LDS Church. But for journalists to persist in perpetuating the falsehood is annoying. But, I suppose that's what journalists do.
Besides, they are following Mormonism the way it was taught by Brigham Young and Joseph Smith, and maintain that it was the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who corrupted the “true” religion.
I understand their claimed position. They're entitled to believe that if they choose. I'm not trying to deny them what ever belief they would like to have.
My only complaint is that it effectively associates a group with the LDS Church that is not related in any way.
It wouldn't be much different from persisting in referring to Methodists as "fundamentalist Catholics" (or, perhaps more appropriately, the other way around) simply because they both use the Bible and believe that Jesus is the son of God. They share a distant, common history and some beliefs, but the two organizations aren't related at all.