"They do not know what the niqab means and they should not be fighting for the right of women to self-oppress. "

The 'progressive left' seem to be taking liberalism to a cliff. The age of enlightenment meant logic over superstition, which most religions are based on. Islam at one time was supportive of women's rights, now thanks to extremists of both Shia and Sunni faiths, suppress women and the niqab is a symbol of that. It has nothing to do with religion.